Need some education

[DPittman]

A friend of mine lent me his 5000 Ford with a loader and a blade on the back to fix my driveway with so needless to say I’ve discovered the handiness of having a machine like this sitting in the shed. That said I’ve found a 3400 Ford with a loader on this website that I intend to buy unless the Ford gurus on this page can give me a good reason not to. The picture and description the owner gave me gives me every indication it’s something I can roll off the trailer and start using it with no problems. I know to look for leaks, make sure it starts good, tires etc. but I’m wondering if there’s any inherent problems with a 3400 that I need to look for like weak rearend, hydraulics or stuff like that. I know Ford built many a fine tractors for many years and the number of them still in service is testimony to their reliability. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks. DP
 

[shaun wallace]

A 3400 has shoe brakes VS wet disc. 3400 has 6x4,4x4,sos,6 speed, vs 8 speed or sos on 5000. Has front hyd pump for faster loader hyd.
 

[TomIn]

It looks like the same tractor has also been on Craigslist for a few days.

https://terrehaute.craigslist.org/grd/d/prairie-creek-ford-3400/7211675727.html

I'm always curious about fresh paint and an hour meter that shows 8 hours. I've been looking for a similar tractor in the same general area this year. It's unusual for a loader tractor of that size and price to last for more than a few hours in that part of Indiana.
 

[Sean in PA]

The 3400 was designed to be a loader tractor. It has a non-adjustable front axle that it stronger than the standard ag chassis models in the 2000/3000 series. It is smaller and lighter than a 5000, so keep that in mind when trying to lift heavy loads. It'll need more rear ballast than a 5000 to be able to lift the same amount of weight in the loader, but it can do a lot, just in slightly smaller bites. The 5000 weighs well over 5000 lbs. without any additional ballast, and a 3400 is under 4000 lbs in the same trim.
 

[showcrop]

It could be an OK deal but that sort of paint job makes it very scary. A flipper will often try to hide major problems under heavy paint. There is a whole lot more that you will want to look closely at. I would check the engine internally with a compression tester and vacuum gauge. They are too cheap to not own.
 

[sotxbill]

Im guessing its a gas engine...

check it out, top to bottom... someone put a great paint job on the loader and hood, but I wont hold that against the tractor. Price is very good if the tractor checks out.
 

[Jim in N.M.]

Contact me I'll tell you my experience with a 3400 tractor! Jim in N.M.
 

[showcrop]

[sotxbill]

[Destroked 450]

[Texasmark1]

A lot of tractors spend their life out of doors. The clear plastic on the gauge insert can't stay clear very long. I replace mine because a new one makes me feel like I got a new...er tractor. When I replace one I write the old numbers on the inside of the hood for whomever needs to know "The Rest of the Story", Paul Harvey, news caster.